All Blacks past and present slam Folau anti-gay comments

Israel Folau tries to evade a tackle by the All Blacks' TJ Peranara. Photo: David Moir/EPA

WELLINGTON – All Black halfback TJ Perenara has become the highest-profile rugby player to condemn Wallaby Israel Folau's anti-gay comments, with New Zealand legend Michael Jones also saying he disagreed with the Australian player's stance.

Perenara, who shares Polynesian heritage with Folau, said homophobic remarks from an athlete of Folau's stature were particularly hurtful to young Maori and Pacific islanders struggling with their identity.

“You don't need to look far to know that young Maori/PI are over-represented in youth suicide statistics and, as I understand it, even more so when you look to those who are part of the Rainbow community,” he tweeted late Wednesday. “Comments that cause further harm cannot be tolerated.”

The 45-Test All Black added: “As professional rugby players, whether we like it or not, we are role models for a lot of young people.”

Folau wrote on social media this month that God's plan for gay people was hell unless they repent their sins.

He later explained that his remarks were prompted by deeply-held religious beliefs and Rugby Australia decided against sanctioning him.

Jones, the loose forward who fired the All Blacks to victory in the inaugural World Cup in 1987, said his own faith did not prevent him from accepting gays.

A devout Christian from a Polynesian background who refused to play on Sundays during his international career, Jones said his heart went out to Folau.